DETROIT, Mich., (June 16, 2006) – Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce the launching of its national Information Technology & Security Law practice. The practice will help companies enhance the protection of critical information assets, effectively respond to new privacy and security laws, comply with IT-related corporate governance obligations, and better manage IT systems. The IT & Security Law practice group will be co-chaired by Brian Balow and Vince Polley, who bring more than 30 years of combined experience in handling IT-related matters.
The practice group will help businesses and institutions:
• respond to (and prevent) computer security breaches;
• manage employee and customer privacy concerns;
• review (and negotiate) outsourcing contracts;
• handle electronic record discovery;
• develop and manage record-retention programs;
• perform acquisition/divestiture due-diligence reviews (e.g., of open-source software, internet domain and address assignments, and contract assignment issues);
• negotiate software development and licensing agreements; and
• establish and implement IT asset management policies and procedures.
Vincent I. Polley, a nationally recognized information technology law expert, recently joined Dickinson Wright as a Member in the Bloomfield Hills office. Vince specializes in information technology matters including security, e-commerce, privacy, and transaction negotiation and drafting. Vince received his J.D. in 1979 from the University of Michigan, and was Deputy General Counsel to the world’s third-largest data network operator and chair of the ABA’s Cyberspace Law Committee. Vince serves with two ABA Standing Committees, and on the governing council of the ABA’s Section of Business Law. Author of the book "Employee Use of the Internet and E-Mail," Vince has also helped corporate and government law departments implement "knowledge management" processes to leverage lawyers’ expertise, facilitate collaboration, and promote team-building.
Brian R. Balow is the practice director of Dickinson Wright's Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Telecommunications department, comprising 32 attorneys. He has worked extensively with clients on IT-related matters including negotiating and drafting agreements, formulating and implementing procedures for the management of IT (including outsourcing agreements), and resolving IT disputes (including several matters involving the Business Software Alliance). Brian received his J.D. in 1988 from the University of Georgia, and is a board member of Automation Alley, a 600-member high technology consortium in Southeast Michigan. Brian has assisted in the negotiation of transactions with dozens of IT vendors including IBM, Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, EDS, Sun Microsystems, and Computer Associates. The aggregate value of the deals in which he has participated exceeds $2 billion.
"We’re excited to have Vince join the Firm and help us build a national practice in this important area," said James Samborn, CEO of Dickinson Wright. "Information technology issues affect every company and receive close attention from chief executives, boards, and audit committees. Vince is a nationally recognized expert in these areas, and has helped direct the evolution of cyberspace law. He and Brian will be of great assistance to our clients as they navigate these uncertain areas."
About Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright PLLC, founded in 1878, has more than 220 attorneys in offices located in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Washington, D.C. Dickinson Wright is a full-service law firm with more than 40 practice areas. For more information, visit www.dickinsonwright.com.
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